U.S. patent number 5,885,673 [Application Number 08/554,309] was granted by the patent office on 1999-03-23 for peelable pouch-like packaging for photographic sheet film.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Eastman Kodak Company. Invention is credited to Peter J. Harissis, Ronald W. Horiszny, Susan L. Light, Michael Long, Donald L. Woodrich.
United States Patent |
5,885,673 |
Light , et al. |
March 23, 1999 |
Peelable pouch-like packaging for photographic sheet film
Abstract
Packaging material 10 for a sealable, easy opening, tear
resistant pouch-like package 100 comprises a first layer 12
including an oriented polymeric material having a front side
capable of receiving surface printed information. A second layer 16
bonded to the first layer 12 includes a light barrier and moisture
impervious material. Bonded to the second layer is a third layer 18
comprising a a coextruded film comprising carbon black-loaded
linear low density polyethylene-EVA-polybutylene or carbon black
loaded linear low density polyethylene film with an EVA gel lacquer
coating. The material 10 overwraps the photographic product in a
pouch-like structure comprising a flap 120, having along its
length, a lengthwise seal 123 projecting outwardly of a second side
114. Second side 114 along with a first side 116 of package 100,
extend between opposed hermetically sealed rearward and forward end
portions 116,118.
Inventors: |
Light; Susan L. (Webster,
NY), Long; Michael (Rochester, NY), Horiszny; Ronald
W. (Rochester, NY), Harissis; Peter J. (Rush, NY),
Woodrich; Donald L. (Hoffman Estates, IL) |
Assignee: |
Eastman Kodak Company
(Rochester, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
22280152 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/554,309 |
Filed: |
November 8, 1995 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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100514 |
Jul 30, 1993 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/35.4;
428/35.9; 383/210; 383/211; 206/455; 206/484; 428/36.7;
428/36.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B
27/36 (20130101); B32B 27/08 (20130101); B32B
7/12 (20130101); B32B 37/153 (20130101); B32B
2307/748 (20130101); Y10T 428/1383 (20150115); B32B
2307/5825 (20130101); B32B 2307/518 (20130101); Y10T
428/1379 (20150115); Y10T 428/1359 (20150115); B32B
2307/7265 (20130101); B32B 2439/00 (20130101); Y10T
428/1341 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
B32B
27/08 (20060101); B32B 001/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;428/35.2,35.3,35.4,35.7,35.8,35.9,36.6,36.7 ;383/210,211
;206/455,484 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Dodson; Shelley A.
Assistant Examiner: Williamson; Michael A.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Parulski; Susan L.
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of application U.S. Ser. No. 08/100,514,
filed 30 Jul. 1993.
Claims
We claim:
1. A package for photographic sheet film, comprising:
a sheet of flexible web material having a first layer comprising a
biaxially oriented nylon material, a second layer comprising a
light barrier and moisture impervious material bonded thereto, and
a third layer comprising a coextruded film having carbon
black-loaded linear low density bonded to said second layer, said
material having opposed end edges, said end edges being joined to
form a pouch having first and second sides each side extending
between opposing rearward and forward end portions, said first and
second sides being hermetically sealed widthwise by a seal across
said rearward end portion to define an interior of said pouch;
said opposed end edges being joined by a lengthwise hermetic seal
to form a flap extending outwardly of said second side, said flap
including unsealed expansion panels extended from said lengthwise
seal to a fold along said second side, said unsealed panels being
effective for expanding said interior of said pouch when said
photographic sheet film is inserted therein or removed therefrom
through said forward end portion; and,
said forward end portion initially defining an open sealable
portion for receiving and subsequently accessing said photographic
sheet film enclosed in said pouch, said forward end portion being
provided with means for forming an initially hermetic and
subsequently peelable seal across said open sealable portion and
unsealed flexible material portions extending outwardly of said
peelable seal.
2. A package as recited in claim 1 wherein said flap is folded and
flattened along a fold line onto said second side.
3. A package as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible web
material comprises:
a first layer comprising an oriented polymeric material having
front and back sides each capable of receiving surface printed
information;
a second layer comprising a light barrier and moisture impervious
material, said second layer being bonded to said back side of said
first layer; and,
a third layer comprising a peelable film or coated film layer, said
third layer being bonded to said second layer.
4. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein said third layer
comprises a coextruded film comprising carbon black-loaded linear
low density polyethylene-ethylene vinyl acetate
(EVA)-polybutylene.
5. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein said third layer
comprises carbon black loaded linear low density polyethylene film
with an ethylene vinyl acetate-gel lacquer coating.
6. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein a polyolefin extrusion
lamination is provided for bonding said second layer to said first
layer.
7. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein said polyolefin
extrusion lamination is low density polyethylene.
8. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein an adhesive lamination
is provided for bonding said third layer to said second layer.
9. A package as recited in claim 8 wherein said adhesive lamination
has a thickness of about 0.00075 inch to about 0.0004 inch.
10. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein said moisture and light
barrier layer is aluminum foil.
11. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein said first layer has a
thickness in the range of about 0.0006 inch to about 0.001
inch.
12. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein said second layer has a
thickness in the range of about 0.000250 inch. to about 0.00150
inch.
13. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein said third layer has a
thickness of about 0.0020 inch to about 0.0050 inch.
14. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein said flexible material
has a thickness of about 0.00450 inch to about 0.00550 inch.
15. A package as recited in claim 7 wherein said polyolefin
extrusion lamination has a thickness of about 0.00020 inch to about
0.0015 inch.
16. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein the flexible material
has a penetration resistance of at least 4000 grams.
17. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein the flexible material
has a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 0.05 grams/100
sq. inches/24 hours.
18. A package as recited in claim 3 wherein said seal widthwise
across said rearward end portion and said seal lengthwise along
said flap each has a seal strength of about 2.5 lbs./inch to about
3.5 lbs./inch.
19. A package as recited in claim 2, wherein said flap includes an
end portion flattened to said second side by said widthwise seal.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to packaging. More particularly, the
invention is concerned with an easy opening, tear resistant,
pouch-like package for photographic sheet film.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typically photographic sheet film, utilized for professional
commercial photography, is packaged in a protective four-sided
hermetically sealed pouch, and the pouch placed in a two or
three-part "set-up" box constructed of corrugated, kraft, or
chipboard materials. The pouch is generally constructed of an outer
layer of paper, a second layer of polyethylene or adhesive, a third
layer of aluminum foil, a fourth layer of polyethylene or adhesive,
and a fifth layer of polyethylene, this last layer sometimes
containing carbon black for additional light-shielding properties.
Generally, the pouch structure has minimal oxygen barrier
properties and minimal puncture resistance. The paper component
typically comprises the bulk of the structure. Since paper has
limited strength, it is prone to pin holing and tearing during both
the loading of the sheet film into the bag and the loading of the
bag into the box. Generally there are either ten or twenty five
sheets of square-cut film in a stack, and a paper card (square-cut
to the approximate size of the film) on both the top and bottom of
the stack. The sharp corners of the film and the cards can slice
the laminate material during the packaging operation, and
especially during the rigors of the transportation cycle. The
tears/pin holes are generally created where the corners of the
stack interface with the pouch. Thus a breach of the hermetically
sealed pouch is often created. Moisture and dirt can potentially
enter these small openings and damage the sensitive film. Such
damage may not be discovered until the photographer has taken and
developed his pictures. Moreover, damage in the form of abrasions
to the emulsion of the film may occur during transport. This latter
damage is not related to moisture or dirt but to the individual
sheets of film in the stack rubbing against each other during
periods of package vibration and shock associated with shipping
over long distances. One way to alleviate this problem is to
evacuate air out of the pouch prior to the sealing operation. If
this evacuation can be maintained during transport, the film stack
is effectively immobilized, thereby preventing such abrasion.
Experience indicates that an optimal level of air evacuation is
required, above which damage will result to the sensitive film
emulsion and below which the film will not be secured and
immobilized in the pouch. Therefore, conventional pouch materials,
made of mostly paper, are not well suited for solving the above
problem because of their ability to develop pin holes and tears.
Thus, a need exists for a stronger pouch material to ensure product
protection during shipping and handling.
A further problem with conventional pouches for photographic sheet
film is that the pouch is not reusable. Photographers, on location,
often store exposed and unused film inside of the box and discard
the opened pouch. Since the user generally physically tears the
pouch open it is typically partially destroyed, preventing
effective reuse. Storing the film directly in the box only can lead
to dirt and moisture contamination of the film. However, if the
pouch material were opened in a non-destructive manner and were of
sufficient length to fold over one end of the pouch as a flap, the
pouch would likely be retained for reuse. Moreover, the film would
be more likely to be placed back into the pouch before being
inserted in the box. One solution to this reusability problem is to
offer extra, unused pouches in the box specifically for this
purpose. However, a major shortcoming of this solution is that it
adds significant cost and results in additional packaging materials
for the solid waste stream. Therefore, a need persists for a
stronger pouch material which can be opened easily and in a
non-destructive manner to allow package reuse, which is a
value-added feature for the photographer.
Yet another problem with conventional pouches for photographic
sheet film is the inability to load the sealed, partially-evacuated
pouch into the two or three-part set-up box, and to keep the pouch
from pushing open the box. The box is generally sized close to the
film size, for a tight fit to help minimize product movement/damage
during shipping and to minimize packaging material costs. The
current paper-based materials exhibit "dead fold" characteristics,
i.e., they exhibit memory, such that when folded they tend to
retain the fold. The pouch is typically over-sized, to facilitate
the loading of the film into the pouch. Therefore the "flaps" of
the four-sided sealed pouch must be folded for loading into the
box. Given the "dead fold" characteristics of the current materials
the pouch tends to load easily and lay down flat in the box tray.
Materials with adequate strength to resist tearing tend to be of
such stiffness and caliper that when the four-sided pouch is loaded
into the box, the four folded flaps resist staying down in the box
tray. The pouch tends to protrude above the tray. This can
interfere with the assembly of the remaining box part(s), and with
the subsequent labeling operation (a label is typically wrapped
around the three panels of the box for product identification and
to help ensure that the box remains closed). If the pouch is
dramatically oversized, such that the four flaps are longer, the
flaps tend to stay folded under the pouch better, but the excess
material is undesirable from a cost and an environmental
standpoint. Also pouch reuse is extremely difficult, as there is so
much excess, stiff pouch material to fold and fit into the tight
box. The packaging operation is typically manual but this problem
would be inherent in either a manual or an automated packaging
operation with a stronger pouch material.
Several attempts in various fields of endeavor have been made to
address some of the above problems. U.S. Pat. No. 2,189,174 by Hohl
teaches a pouch style allowing non-destructive opening, for the
dispensing of "flowable" products such as coffee and sugar. Pleats
are formed in the pouch, and these pleats act as finger tabs, which
the user can grasp to separate the two pouch panels at the seam.
Shortcomings of this pouch for solving the problems faced by
applicant are that it does not allow for ease of film sheet loading
and lacks puncture resistance.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,377,862 by Suter teaches a peel open h-wrap style
pouch for vertical form-fill-seal applications, where the package
is made in-line, just prior to product filling. The Suter pouch
utilizes a paper web which is treated with a composition and coated
with an adhesive.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,515 by Heyden teaches an easy-open h-wrap style
pouch, with a tubular pocket in the seal area for the user to
insert a finger. The finger is slid along the remainder of the seal
to separate the two layers of pouch material. Shortcomings of this
pouch for solving the problems faced by applicant are that it does
not allow for ease of film sheet loading, ease of opening and it
lacks puncture resistance.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,705,174 by Goglio teaches a peel open
h-wrap style gusseted pouch utilizing a puncture-resistant
material. The Goglio invention utilizes a defined strip of peel
material, placed adjacent to the pouch opening, and the peel
material is a blend of polyethylene and an ionomer.
Therefore, a need persists for a stronger packaging material for
sheet film pouches which would eliminate tearing/pinholing.
Moreover, there exists a need for a cost efficient, easy opening
pouch that would facilitate film sheet loading with both manual and
automatic packaging equipment, and would allow an unsealed box to
remain closed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, the object of the invention to overcome the
shortcomings of the prior art. Accordingly, for accomplishing these
and other objects of the invention, there is provided, in one
aspect of the invention, a package comprising a flexible web
material having opposing end edges, the end edges being folded to
form a pouch. The pouch-like package comprises first and second
sides each extending between opposing rearward and forward end
portions. First and second sides of the pouch-like package are
hermetically sealed widthwise across the rearward end portion,
forming a first widthwise seal. The first and second end edges are
joined to form a flap extending outwardly of the second side and
they are hermetically sealed lengthwise along a top portion of the
flap. The flap is provided with means for expanding the interior of
the pouch when photographic sheet film is inserted therein. The
forward end portion of the package initially defines a hermetically
sealable opening for receiving and subsequently accessing
photographic sheet film enclosed in the pouch-like package.
Moreover, the forward end portion is provided with means for
peelably separating the sealable opening once hermetically
sealed.
In another aspect of the invention, a packaging material capable of
being sealed and resistant to tearing comprises a first layer
having a flexible polymeric material including a front side and a
backside capable of receiving printed information. A second layer
comprising a light barrier and moisture impervious material bonded
to the backside of the first layer is provided. A third layer
comprising a coextruded film comprising carbon black-loaded linear
low density polyethylene-EVA-polybutylene or carbon black loaded
linear low density polyethylene film with an EVA gel lacquer
coating, the third layer being bonded to the second layer.
In still another aspect of the invention, a method for packaging a
photographic product, comprises providing a package, as described
above, having an open sealable end and a first sealed portion
formed in an opposed end. The product is then inserted into the
interior of the package through the open sealable end. Further, the
product is gently urged against the first sealed portion. The
interior of the package is then evacuated and the open sealable end
is sealed closed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing as well as other objects, features and advantages of
this invention will become more apparent from the appended Figures,
wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of the material comprising the
packaging;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the packaging system of the
invention;
FIG. 3 is an end view of the packaging system showing flap expanded
for receiving an article;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the packaging according to the
principles of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the package system; and,
FIG. 6 is a side view of a box tray partially sectioned to expose
the packaging stacked therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, the
packaging material 10 of the present invention broadly comprises a
first layer 12 comprising an oriented polymeric material having a
front side and back side each capable of receiving printed
information; a second layer 14 comprising a moisture barrier and
light imperviousness material; a first adhesive layer 16 for
bonding the first layer 12 to the second layer 14; a third layer 18
comprising a coextruded film comprising carbon black-loaded linear
low density polyethylene-ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)-polybutylene
or carbon black loaded linear low density polyethylene film with an
EVA gel lacquer coating; and, a second adhesive layer 20 for
bonding the second layer 14 to the third layer 18.
In the preferred embodiment, packaging material 10 is a puncture
resistant laminate comprising a first layer 12 of biaxially or
uniaxially oriented polymeric material, preferably biaxially
oriented nylon, having a thickness of about 0.00060 inch (0.00152
cm). This material is selected because of its ability to withstand
puncturing as described further below. The second layer 14
preferably comprises aluminum foil having a thickness of about
0.00030 inch (0.000762 cm). Layers 12 and 14 are bonded to one
another preferably with either a layer 16 of 0.00015 inch (0.000381
cm) thick adhesive or 0.00050 inch (0.00050 cm) thick polyethylene
extrusion lamination, both producing substantially identical
results. Third layer 18, which provides the peelable characteristic
of the package (described below), comprises preferably either
0.00350 inch (0.00889 cm) thick coextruded carbon black-loaded
linear low density polyethylene-EVA-polybutylene film or 0.0030
inch (0.00762 cm) carbon black-loaded linear low density
polyethylene film with a 0.00010 inch (0.000254 cm) EVA gel lacquer
coating. The 0.00350 inch (0.00889 cm) thick coextruded carbon
black-loaded linear low density polyethylene-EVA-polybutylene film
is most preferred. The EVA gel-lacquer may be applied to the third
layer 18 using a gravure process, as a hot melt coating, or as an
extrusion coating.
Moreover, the carbon black in the linear low density polyethylene
film layer 18 is preferably at least 2% carbon by weight. Second
adhesive layer 20 can be selected from the group consisting of
0.00050 inch (0.00127 cm) thick polyethylene extrusion or
coextrusion lamination or a 0.00010 inch (0.000254 cm) thick
adhesive. Alternative types of adhesives that may be used in first
and second layers 16,20 include solventless, solvent, or
water-based. Most preferred by the inventors for layer 16 is
polyolefin extrusion lamination, preferably low density
polyethylene for bonding the first 12 and second 14 layers of
flexible web 10. Layer 20 preferably is an adhesive lamination for
bonding the second layer 14 to third layer 18.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative
materials may be used within the contemplation of the invention.
First layer 12 of the lamination may alternatively be
polypropylene, cellophane, polyethylene terephthyalate (PET) or
polyethylene. The foil layer 14 may be replaced by a film such as
nylon, polypropylene, PET, or polyethylene which has a thin layer
of metal or silica oxide applied to it in a vacuum deposition or
plasma coating process. Alternatively, foil layer 14 may be
replaced by a layer of polyethylene or ethylene-vinyl acetate
copolymer (EVOH), both of which have moisture barrier properties.
Moreover, layers 12,14,16 could be replaced by a nylon-EVOH-nylon
coextruded film.
It is further within the contemplation of the invention that the
caliper (or thickness) of the nylon layer 12 may range from about
0.00060 inch (0.001524 cm) to about 0.0010 inch (0.00254 cm). In
one aspect of the invention, layer 16 may be an adhesive lamination
having a thickness in the range from about 0.00010 inch (0.000254
cm) to about 0.00040 inch (0.000102 cm). Alternatively, the caliper
of layer 16 comprising an extrusion lamination may range from about
0.00020 inch (0.000508 cm) to about 0.00150 inch (0.00381 cm).
Aluminum foil layer 14 may have a thickness in the range from about
0.000250 inch (0.000635 cm) to about 0.00150 inch (0.00381 cm). In
one aspect of the invention, the caliper of layer 20 comprising an
extrusion lamination may be about 0.00020 inch (0.00508 cm) to
about 0.00150 inch (0.00381 cm). Alternatively, the caliper of
layer 20 comprising an adhesive lamination may have a thickness in
the range from about 0.000075 inch (0.0001905 cm) to about 0.0004
inch (0.001016 cm). The caliper of either linear low density
polyethylene film 18 may range from about 0.0020 inch (0.00508 cm)
to about 0.0050 inch (0.00127 cm). Finally, the EVA gel lacquer
coating layer 18 may have a thickness in the range from about
0.000075 inch (0.0001905 cm) to 0.0004 inch (0.0001016 cm).
The preferred nominal overall thickness of the packaging material
of the invention is in the range of about 0.00450 inch (0.01143 cm)
to about 0.00550 inch (0.01397 cm), but it could range from 0.0030
inch (0.00762 cm) to 0.0080 inch (0.02032 cm).
Further, the pouch material 10 of the invention, as described in
detail above, preferably has a minimum penetration resistance of
4,000 grams when subjected to the ASTM F1306-90 "Slow Rate
Penetration Resistance test". It is also preferred that the pouch
material 10 yield a minimum transmittance optical density of 10
when evaluated on an conventional optical densitometer. Moreover,
pouch material 10 preferably has a maximum moisture vapor
transmission rate of 0.05 grams/100 square inches/24 hours after 20
cycles of Gelboflex testing, in accordance with ASTM E96 and ASTM
392. Further, pouch material 10 preferably has a maximum oxygen
transmission rate of 0.20 cc/square meter/24 hours after 20 cycles
of Gelboflex testing, in accordance with ASTM D3985-81 and ASTM
392.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the packaging materials
art that the desired physical characteristics could also be
obtained through other combinations of materials as described
above.
Turning now to FIGS. 2-6, package 100 of the invention for
photographic sheet film (A) is shown having a substantially tubular
shape. According to FIG. 4, package 100 is manufactured by folding
a sheet of flexible web material 10, having opposed end edges
102,104, to form a pouch-like structure having first and second
sides 112,114. In FIGS. 2,4 and 5, first and second sides 112,114
extend between opposing rearward and forward end portions 116,118.
Further, first and second sides 112,114 are preferably hermetically
sealed widthwise across the rearward end portion 116. Thus, first
widthwise seal 119 closes the package 100 at rearward end 116.
According to FIG. 4, opposed end edges 102,104 are joined to form a
centrally located flap 120 that extends outwardly of the second
side 114. Flap 120 is preferably hermetically sealed lengthwise
along a top portion 122 of the flap 120. Lengthwise hermetic seal
123 is sometimes referred to in the field as a finseal. Moreover,
flap 120 includes first unsealed flexible material portions 126,128
each extending downwardly from the lengthwise seal 123 to a bottom
fold line 132 of the flap at second side 114. When package 100 is
open prior to filling as shown in FIG. 4, the space between
portions 126, 128 adds volume to the interior 130 of package 100.
That is portions 126,128 function as expansion panels and open in a
tentwise fashion when product is inserted in the package 100,
thereby providing additional clearance for the product (FIGS. 3
& 4). Referring to FIG. 5, the pouch-like package 100 is then
pressed flat, with for example a hot press, with the flap 120 and
lengthwise seal 123 being folded over flat against second side 114.
It is desirable that the fold 132 of the flattened flap 120 be
located near the medial portions of the rearward and forward end
portions 116,118 (FIG. 2,4 & 5). The resultant flattened
package 100 now has a width less than the width of the original
flexible web material 10.
Referring again to FIG. 4, once package 100 has been flattened, a
first widthwise hermetic seal 119 is formed across flap 120 and the
rearward end portion 116 on the first or second sides 112,114 of
package 100. In the process of forming first widthwise seal 119, an
end portion 121 of flattened flap 120 is also sealed (FIGS. 5 &
6). The preferred width of the lengthwise seal 123 and first
widthwise seal 119 for the package 100 of the invention is 0.250
inch (0.635 cm), but could range from 0.125 inch (0.3175 cm) to
0.500 inch (1.25 cm). While first widthwise seal 119 is preferably
located on the outermost edge of rearward end 116, variability in
the sealing process may result in some excess material (not shown)
extending outwardly from first widthwise seal 119. It is desirable
that less than about 0.0625 inch (0.15875 cm) of excess material
extend beyond first widthwise seal 119 for compactness and to
ensure that the loaded and sealed package 100 will lay flat in its
box tray. Pouch-like package 100 is then cut to the desired length
to include an open sealable portion 117 formed in the forward end
118, a flap 120 having a lengthwise seal 123 running down the
length, and a first widthwise seal 119 on the rearward end 116
(FIG. 4). Further, package 100 is sized substantially to the width
of the film, with minimal clearance provided as shown in FIG.
2.
To use the pouch-like package 100, the film sheet (A) is inserted
through the open sealable end portion 117 and urged toward the
rearward end 116 against the first widthwise seal 119. In FIG. 2,
film sheet (A) is positioned in the pouch-like package 100 and
abuts first widthwise seal 119, leaving approximately 1.000 inch
(2.54 cm) to 3.000 inch (7.62 cm) of second unsealed flexible
material portions 142,144 extending to forward end 118. The package
100 is then partially evacuated, using a conventional vacuum
device, and the forward end 118 is hermetically sealed
approximately 0.500 inch (1.27 cm) to 1.000 inch (2.54 cm) inwardly
of the forward end 118. Seal 134 also extends across flap 120.
The strength of each the lengthwise seal 123 and first and second
widthwise seals 119,134 is preferably in the range of 2.50 to 3.50
pounds per inch when subjected to the Tappi T517 Dynamic Strength
of Flexible Barrier Material Seals test. This level of seal
strength provides a strong seal which can withstand the rigors of
handling and shipping but does not hamper peelably accessing the
film.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 5 & 6, to provide access to
interior 130 of package 100 to permit removal of at least a portion
of its contents, second unsealed flexible material portions 142,144
are grasped at approximately the center 145 of the forward end 118
while holding onto the lengthwise seal 123. Second unsealed
flexible portions 142,144 peel apart easily and cleanly along the
second widthwise seal 134, providing full access to the enclosed
film (A). Thus package 100 is opened in a non-destructive manner.
Moreover, where there is a need to reuse the pouch-like package
100, the user can simply reinsert the film (A) and fold the
unsealed flexible material portions 142,144 into the first side
112.
In FIG. 6, a plurality of packages 100 are stacked in a
conventional box tray 150 with second unsealed flexible web
portions 142,144 conveniently folded into the first side 112. Since
the package material of the invention 10 has `deadfold`
characteristics, as described above, the second unsealed flexible
material portions 142,144 once folded will unfold only slightly
with small products having little mass/weight; but, the package
100, in any case, does not protrude above the box tray 150 and
interfere with box closure.
The present invention provides numerous advantageous effects over
the prior art. In particular, package 100 affords the user easy and
quick access to the product, which is critical given the typical
conditions of use and time constraints associated with the
photographic profession. The puncture-resistant material 10 resists
tearing, and affords a hermetic package 30 which remains
substantially air tight after evacuation. This allows the
minimization/elimination of product abrasion. Package 100 also
affords the advantage of a non-destructive opening, which, in
combination with the minimized package size and extended unsealed
flexible material portions 142,144, facilitates customer reuse.
The claims in the specification describe the invention presented
and the terms that are employed in the claims draw their meaning
from the use of such terms in the specification. The same terms
employed in the prior art may be broader in meaning than
specifically employed herein. Whenever there is a question between
the broader definition of such terms used in the prior art and the
more specific use of the terms herein, the more specific meaning is
meant.
While the invention has been described with a certain degree of
particularity it is manifest that many changes may be made in the
details of construction and the arrangements of components without
departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is
understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set
forth herein for purposes of exemplification, but is to be limited
only by the scope of the attached claim or claims, including the
full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is
entitled.
The invention has therefore been described with reference to
certain embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that
variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of
the invention.
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